[Book Review]: The Wicked of the Earth by A. D. Bergin

About the Book

Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery

Publisher: Northodox Press

Release Date: 21st November 2024

October 1650

Traumatised Parliamentarian spy James Archer returns north seeking his sister Meg, missing in the aftermath of Newcastle’s recent witch trials.

Aloof, enigmatic Elizabeth Thompson draws him to investigate the ongoing killing of women who had worked to free the accused.

But when Elizabeth herself becomes hunted, the only chance of escape lies in Archer setting himself as bait.

Set against the backdrop of the greed and brutality of Interregnum England, The Wicked of the Earth is an historical thriller perfect for readers of Andrew Taylor, S J Parris, or C J Sansom.

About the Author

A. D. Bergin was born in Northumberland and raised on Tyneside. He graduated from Cambridge University with a first class degree in History, since when he has worked as an archaeologist, historian, researcher, postman, roofer, builder and barman. The Wicked of the Earth is his first published work of fiction.
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Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/adberginwriter

My review

4,5 stars

Although I love historical fiction, it seems like the English Civil War and the Commonwealth eras have escaped my attention. I didn’t read much about these dramatic periods of British history. So when I knew that The Wicked of the Earth needed more reviewers, I dived into the book straight away. The fact that the novel is set in Newcastle during the witch trial drew up my attention to it even more.

Ensign James Archer, is a veteran of the Civil War who fought for the Parliament and Oliver Cromwell all around the country, is sent to his hometown, he had escaped to join the parliamentarians, to investigate the murder of the women during the shady witch trial, initiated by the town’s officials. Archer has his own agenda, though. He’s in search of his sister Meg who, it turns out, is amongst the trialled. When the dead bodies start to pile up around Archer and his own life is in danger, he teams up with Elizabeth Thompson, one of the women who help the accused.

The author poured his heart in soul into research, and it shows. Newcastle of the mid 17th century is brought back to life in all its misery and glory. The description of the city is so vivid and rich that it takes me there, to its narrow and filthy “chares” (streets) and wide Tyne’s embankments, to its cold and damp houses and claustrophobic yards.

As the story unfolds, Archer slides deeper and deeper into the dark underbelly of the city where the war between several powerful factions is in full swing. The witch trial is turning into a power struggle between several families, whose main objective is to keep their business, the coal trade, going at any cost.

The novel is slow-burning, especially at the beginning, but the lack of action is well rewarded as the story progresses.

Although the book is about the witch trial, there’s no magic in it, but plenty of intrigues and conspiracies. There’s some graphic violence that some readers may find disturbing.

What I really enjoyed about the book is the ending. There’s no (and can’t be) a “happily ever after”. The ending is rather philosophical and satisfying. Archer finds out the truth, but it’s bitter.

There’s no romantic subplot in the story. The author shows that a good story doesn’t need one.

I gave this book 4,5 stars because of the language. The author aims for authenticity and historical accuracy, I appreciate that. However, it slowed down the pace, and I found it difficult to follow the plot, needing to re-read some scenes to fully comprehend them.

I highly recommend this book to all history lovers and fans of cleverly written mysteries.

Purchase Links:

Northodox Press: https://www.northodox.co.uk/product-page/the-wicked-of-the-earth-a-d-bergin